Pismo Beach, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Pismo Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pismo Beach sits along California's Central Coast, drawing steady visitor interest from beachgoers, wine-country travelers, and weekend escapes from the Los Angeles and San Francisco metro areas. With 131 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $50,487, the market delivers meaningful income — though elevated home values averaging $1,667,392 compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Occupancy currently runs at 31%, below the 43% state average, reflecting the seasonal nature of a coastal leisure destination. Investors who source deals selectively and optimize pricing around summer peaks can still find attractive opportunities here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Pismo Beach short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach attracts investors seeking premium nightly rates in a desirable coastal California market where leisure demand, limited buildable land, and year-round appeal create a differentiated asset class.

Expert Market Assessment

"Pismo Beach represents a competitive opportunity where strong nightly rates and aspirational coastal appeal are tempered by high acquisition costs and moderate occupancy. The market's pronounced seasonality — revenue roughly doubles from the January low of $2,531 to the July peak of $6,531 — means investors need to plan cash reserves for softer winter months. Larger properties, particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes, deliver the strongest absolute returns, with 4-bedroom listings averaging $91,300 annually. For buyers who can identify properties below the market's steep median price or add value through superior amenities, this remains a market worth serious consideration."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Pismo Beach

Average revenue by month in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach displays pronounced seasonality, with July ($6,531) and August ($5,982) driving the strongest revenue and January ($2,531) marking the low point — a gap of roughly $4,000 per month. Shoulder months from April through October remain above $3,900, giving operators a solid six-month window of above-average performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Pismo Beach

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 52 listings, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at 48, while 4-bedroom homes are notably scarce at just 6 units. The thin supply of larger properties, combined with their higher revenue potential, could signal a competitive advantage for investors targeting that segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Pismo Beach

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $247 for 1-bedroom listings up to $439 for 4-bedrooms — a 78% premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($290) to 3-bedrooms ($355) is particularly steep, suggesting guests place a high value on the extra space in this vacation-oriented market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Pismo Beach

RevPAN increases with property size, ranging from $72 for 1-bedroom units to $112 for 4-bedroom homes. The gap narrows at the top — 3-bedrooms earn $108 versus $112 for 4-bedrooms — indicating that the largest homes command higher rates but don't necessarily fill at a proportionally higher clip.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Pismo Beach

Occupancy rates cluster tightly between 26% and 31% across all property sizes, with 2-bedroom units leading at 31% and 4-bedrooms trailing at 26%. This narrow spread suggests that demand patterns in Pismo Beach are driven more by seasonal travel timing than by property configuration.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Pismo Beach

Monthly revenue scales meaningfully with size: 4-bedroom properties lead at $7,608/month — nearly 2.7 times the $2,860 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom homes hit a solid middle ground at $4,842, making them a strong option for investors looking for a balance between acquisition cost and income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Pismo Beach

Four-bedroom listings top annual revenue at $91,300, nearly double the $46,406 earned by 2-bedroom properties and well above the $58,112 generated by 3-bedrooms. Given only 6 four-bedroom listings in the market, investors acquiring larger homes face less direct competition and capture significantly higher gross income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Pismo Beach

Kitchens (97%), parking (93%), and laundry (86–89%) are near-universal expectations among Pismo Beach guests, signaling that any listing without these basics will struggle to compete. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (84%), BBQ grills (60%), and beach access (42%) reflect the coastal lifestyle guests are seeking, while hot tubs (15%) remain a potential differentiator for listings aiming to stand out.

Understanding Pismo Beach's ROI Score: 48/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Pismo Beach earns a 48 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier where demand is genuine but higher property prices and tighter competition require disciplined deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, driven by median home values near $1.67M, while occupancy stability and market growth trends rate as average. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear strategy for maximizing summer-peak income will help investors determine whether a specific property pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pismo Beach

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Pismo Beach. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

The City of Pismo Beach, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the city's planning or community development department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include caps on the number of STR permits issued, minimum-night stay requirements, occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, and designated parking mandates. HOA or CC&R restrictions may further limit STR eligibility in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing governing documents is essential before closing on a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and the City of Pismo Beach may levy its own local TOT rate on top of any county obligations. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and local tax authorities.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Pismo Beach can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pismo Beach's short-term rental market is expected to follow its well-established seasonal pattern, with summer months continuing to drive the majority of annual income. ADR may see modest upward pressure in the range of 1–3%, supported by constrained coastal housing supply and persistent leisure travel demand along the Central Coast. Occupancy is likely to hold in the 29–33% range market-wide, though individual operators with strong amenity packages and dynamic pricing could outperform. Listing growth appears relatively stable — year-over-year active listings sit at 97% of prior levels — which should keep competitive pressure from intensifying dramatically."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pismo Beach, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pismo Beach?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Pismo Beach is currently 31%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's seasonal, leisure-driven demand profile — occupancy tends to climb during summer months and soften in winter. Property size has a modest impact: 2-bedroom units lead at 31%, while 4-bedroom homes average 26%. Hosts who use dynamic pricing and maintain strong reviews can often exceed these market-wide averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pismo Beach?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Pismo Beach earn approximately $4,207 per month, or about $50,487 per year, based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $34,328 annually, while 4-bedroom homes bring in roughly $91,300 per year. Summer months are the primary revenue driver, with July averaging $6,531 in monthly revenue compared to January's $2,531.

Is Pismo Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Pismo Beach scores a 48 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from strong nightly rates ($329 ADR) and genuine coastal appeal, but high home values averaging $1,667,392 create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source deals strategically — perhaps through off-market acquisitions or value-add renovations — and who optimize for peak-season revenue stand the best chance of achieving solid returns. The compact supply of 131 listings also means the market is less prone to oversaturation.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Pismo Beach?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Pismo Beach is $329, which is below the $551 California state average. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $247/night, 2-bedrooms $290, 3-bedrooms $355, and 4-bedroom homes command $439 per night. These rates reflect the premium that guests are willing to pay for a coastal California vacation rental experience.

Are short-term rentals legal in Pismo Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Pismo Beach, but local regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy restrictions, and other rules that investors need to verify before purchasing. California law allows municipalities to set their own STR policies, so it's important to check directly with the City of Pismo Beach for the most current permitting and zoning requirements. Consulting a local real estate attorney familiar with STR regulations is also a prudent step.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Pismo Beach?

Peak season in Pismo Beach runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $6,531. August follows closely at $5,982, and June comes in at $4,920. The shoulder months of May, September, and October still perform respectably in the $4,000–$4,500 range, while January is the softest month at $2,531. This roughly 2.6x spread between peak and off-peak months is important for cash flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Pismo Beach?

As of April 2026, there are 131 active Airbnb listings in Pismo Beach. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom (48 listings) and 3-bedroom (52 listings) properties, with only 19 one-bedroom units and 6 four-bedroom homes. This relatively compact inventory, combined with year-over-year listing counts holding at 97% of prior levels, suggests the market isn't experiencing rapid supply growth.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pismo Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Pismo Beach are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Pismo Beach market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month historical performance
• Property size breakdowns showing how listing performance varies by bedroom count
• Popular amenity data showing the prevalence of key features across active listings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the data was compiled. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit availability can change; investors should verify all rules with local authorities before purchasing.